Report: Rand Paul's attacker might have been politically motivated - and faces more charges

According to Fox News, sources say that Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) has been told that his attacker could face federal charges for the incident that broke six of his ribs. The report also indicates that the attacker might have been politically motivated.

Here's the new report from Fox News about the motivation of the attacker:

Shep reports: Multiple sources tell Fox that the Senator Rand Paul has been told to expect federal charges to be filed against his attacker.
The attack is believed to have been politically motivated. pic.twitter.com/gzcdVJkRZy

— Pat Ward (@WardDPatrick) November 9, 2017

"Sources now tell Fox News the senator has been told to expect federal charges to be filed in this case, meaning prosecutors believe the attack was politically motivated," Shep Smith reported.

What are the facts as they are known?

Both parties agree that Senator Paul was mowing his lawn when his 59-year-old neighbor Rene Boucher tackled him from behind on Sunday. The police report said that Paul was "blind sided," and it was initially reported that he only suffered minor injuries. Later it was confirmed that he suffered 6 broken ribs.

It was also initially reported that the altercation was over a dispute about landscaping, but Paul himself later dispelled that narrative without saying what the motive might be.

Boucher plead not guilty on Thursday to the charges in a courtroom in Bowling Green, Kentucky, where Paul's home is located and where the attack occurred.

Boucher is already charged with fourth-degree assault causing minor injury, and faces up to a year in jail over it. He would face further punishment if federal charges are pressed.